Nursing Practice for Discharge Support of Ward Nurses in Small and Medium-sized Hospitals

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to identify any challenges involved in the nursing practice being carried out by ward nurses in small and medium-sized hospitals in their discharge support work, in addition to clarifying the details of the work.

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 13 nurses working at small or medium-sized hospitals. Thereafter the data was qualitatively analyzed using an inductive approach.

The content of the practice was: Working to improve motivation by leveraging the strengths of patients; Consideration for maintaining a good relationship between patients/family and the medical staff; Involvement that emphasizes the safety, maintenance, and feasibility of medical treatment behavior after discharge; Encourage patients/family to face reality and life after discharge; Finding compromises with patients/family regarding the life after discharge with functional deterioration; Coordinating points of agreement with patients/family while giving consideration to the circumstances of the hospital organization; Exercise leadership across multiple occupations by utilizing the expertise of nurses; and Team management to maintain and strengthen the support system for interdisciplinary approach.

The nurses provided support of patient/family decision making and team management for inter-professionals. To promote discharge support by nurses working autonomously, it is important that a nursing manager evaluate and approve the ward nurses’ discharge support practice.